Body found in Lindo Channel

Chico >> Police are still investigating the death of a man found under a bridge in the dry creek bed of Lindo Channel this morning.

Yellow crime tape was draped along the bushes as well as along half of the pedestrian walkway of the bridge to keep away the curious.

Much is still unknown until an autopsy is conducted, said Chico Police Sgt. Cesar Sandoval.

It looked like the body had been at the location for a while, he said. The discovery was made at about 11:45 a.m. by someone who had slept under the bridge before. That person contacted a resident in the neighborhood, who called police.

At this point, foul play is unknown. Sandoval said any time there is a death, an investigation includes the possibility of homicide, until it is determined otherwise.

The name of the man has not yet been released, pending notification of next of kin.

The Butte County Sheriff's Office was also at the scene and took over the coroner's investigation, including an autopsy, to determine the cause of death.

The area was roped off for several hours at the busy four-way stop at Manzanita and Mariposa avenues.